14 Killed in Overnight Israeli Strikes in Syria, Over 40 Wounded

The death toll from Israeli strikes in Syria has risen to 14, with over 40 wounded. The strikes hit multiple areas, including a scientific research center in Maysaf and sites with Iranian presences. Israel often targets such areas but rarely discusses these operations. The region remains tense amid ongoing conflicts.

The number of people killed in overnight Israeli strikes in Syria has climbed to 14, with more than 40 others wounded, according to Syrian state media.

Israeli strikes targeted multiple areas in central Syria late on Sunday, causing damage to a highway in Hama province and igniting fires, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported. Initially, the Masyaf National Hospital in western Hama province announced a death toll of four.

However, SANA, citing hospital head Faysal Haydar, later confirmed 14 fatalities and 43 injuries. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least four of the deceased were civilians.

One of the strikes reportedly targeted a scientific research center in Maysaf, while others hit sites believed to house Iranian militias and weapons experts, as per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Local media also reported strikes near the coastal city of Tartous.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years, frequently targeting Syrian forces or Iranian-backed groups, but it seldom acknowledges these operations publicly. Israel has pledged to prevent Iran from establishing a foothold in Syria, a key transit point for Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.

Hezbollah has been engaged in clashes with Israeli forces for the last 11 months, amidst Israel's ongoing war against Hamas, an ally of Hezbollah, in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)